Fortunately for the judge, the defendant was appearing on a video link – but his accomplice did manage to blow a kiss towards the camera
A defendant who was in custody on remand – and facing more prison time – was so overjoyed to hear that he would be released that day that he jubilantly told a judge: “Honestly, if I could kiss you, I would.” But, fortunately for the judge, ex-drug dealer Ryan Kirkham was miles away and was appearing before Hull Crown Court on a screen via a video link.
His co-defendant, Nathan Price, sitting beside him on the video link from Hull Prison, was equally delighted to be getting his freedom too – and he went one step further and blew a kiss towards the camera. Kirkham, 27, of Owthorne Grove, east Hull, and Price, 26, of Lingdale Road, east Hull, both admitted affray on July 13. Kirkham also admitted possessing a knife in public and Price admitted possessing an offensive weapon.
Henry Fernandez, prosecuting, said that Price and Kirkham became involved in an argument, which escalated into fighting. Punches were exchanged and others on the scene tried to separate them. Kirkham had a kitchen knife of about seven inches. “He chased Price with that knife,” said Mr Fernandez. Price grabbed a pole and threw it towards Kirkham.
“The incident occurred in a busy public area,” said Mr Fernandez. During police interview, Kirkham claimed that he was acting in self-defence.
The court heard that Price also admitted separate offences of assault on April 4, involving slapping his partner during an argument, as well as assaulting a police officer as an emergency worker on April 10, involving throwing a chair at a wall, causing an interviewing officer some fear. He also admitted possessing cannabis on April 9.
Both had previous convictions. Kirkham had, in December 2023, been given a two-year suspended prison sentence for possessing cocaine and Ecstasy with intent to supply in Hull on February 3, 2022.
Holly Thompson, mitigating, said that Kirkham had been in custody on remand since July. His compliance with the suspended sentence had been good.
Judge John Thackray KC deferred sentence for six months until March 2 – meaning that Kirkham would be released that day. He told Kirkham: “It was appalling behaviour, frightening and upsetting for the people who live in that area having to experience something like that.
“You have had a taste of custody. I am going to give you a chance to prove yourself. Keep out of trouble. Cooperate with the probation service.”
After realising that this meant that he would be released from prison that day, Kirkham told the judge: “Honestly, if I could kiss you, I would – honestly.” Defence barrister Stephen Robinson, representing Price, said: “Probably best that the defendant is on the link.”
Mr Robinson said that, for Price, spending time in custody had allowed him to sort himself out. He was on prescribed medication and this was starting to work. He was off cannabis.
Sentence on Price was also deferred for six months, meaning that he would also be released from custody. He said “Thank you” – and blew a kiss towards the camera. A hearty round of applause rang out from grateful supporters of the defendants in the courtroom’s public gallery.